Effexor?

[guyblue]

I've been going through cycles of depression/lack of motivation for a few years now--I wouldn't call it seasonal because it's not in any particular season (ex: winter) and I finally did something about it and mentioned it to my doctor. The most recent cycle was triggered by a breakup with a boyfriend and also the issue of my orientation and my parents not knowing....

I was given EffexorXR starting at 37.5mg for 7 days, then to 75mg until my follow-up in two weeks. After doing extensive research online, I'm still unable to find the benefit of taking an SNRI over an SSRI (ex: Paxil, Prozac) is? Anyone?

I'm really freaked out about having any erectile problems or loss of interest in sex. Does anyone here have an experience with this drug?

 

[HoustonTroy]

I took effexsor for a week and my libido went down, not even a hard on, it was so scary, I mean I am only 28 and not even a hard on, i got off it quick and switched to zoloft, With zoloft my libido is not great but I am able to get hard and orgasm,at least once a day,

 

[tonysw]

I am on it at present. I had refused it before. I started at 75mg and the first two weeks were hell with dizziness and tiredness. After that I was great with no problems. I then had a reaction 5 few weeks later, just like the leaflet suggested - I was dizzy and unwell for a few days. That passed and I went to a higher dose and had two weeks of adjustment where I was again dizzy. But now that is over I am OK on it. I can cope a lot better with what is continuing to happen to me caused by the ex-partner.
Based on my experience I can suggest that people stick with it and see if they can tolerate it after the adjustment period. But its up to each to decide, along with medical advice.

I do not experience the problems outlined above.

 

[guyblue]

I've had a really dry mouth and have been dizzy too. While waiting to get my oil changed today I kept catching myself staring a hole through the wall...not blinking or anything, and it was a really weird feeling. I've also had some swings of just feeling blank to being an absolute bear, which is not like me.

We'll see how it goes--all I've read about the detox, decrease in libido, etc. is scaring the 20-year old crap out of me.

 

[luckotheirish]

SNRIs don't always have a clear benefit over SSRIs. Typically, SSRIs would be considered first line therapy. The vast majority are started on Zoloft, Prozac, Celexa, or Lexapro and then switched to another category if the SSRI isn't successful. Your doctor may have started you on Effexor first because you're a young man who would obviously be concerned with sexual function. Statistically, Effexor has a lower incidence of sexual side-effects than SSRIs.

My experience with the people I see each day seems to corroborate that. That's not to say, of course, that no one has a sexual problem with Effexor. All SNRIs and SSRIs require a period of acclimation, typically 4-6 weeks. If you still have concerns at that point, tell your doctor.

If you're interested, there is an antidepressant that not only doesn't usually cause sexual dysfunction but has been shown to correct it when caused by SSRIs. That drug is bupropion (aka Wellbutrin or Zyban). The only serious thing to know about this drug is you should not take it if you have a history of seizures and you MUST not drink alcohol while you're on it. Alcohol + bupropion can precipitate a seizure. Otherwise I've seen great results in those who experienced sexual side-effects from other antidepressants.

Hope this helps.

 

[jockboy01]

Generally effexor is used for people with depression that seem to have a low energy level as well... fatigue mainly. It is thought that it helps better with this aspect of depression than a pure SSRI. If I remember correctly, effexor does in fact inhibit reuptake of serotonin but also inhibits norepi reuptake (and maybe a little dopamine too, but I'm not sure). So it is in fact an SSRI.

I don't know that it is any better for sexual side effects... but it may be. As mentioned, the one to avoid that is wellbutrin.

 

[Yngbldhwk]

Did your doctor suggest any other antidepressant first before trying Effexor? Effexor is one of the more potent drugs of this class, and even though the dose you're taking is on the lower end, it's usually not used for long-term maintenance of depression. Most docs like to use it only on severely depressed patients (e.g., someone contemplating suicide). As others have pointed out, suddenly stopping the drug is inadvisable. If you (or your doc) decides to switch you to another drug, the safest way is to gradually reduce the dosage of Effexor while starting and increasing the dose of a different med; in essence, taking two drugs at the same time for the transition period.

There are legitimate cases where Effexor makes sense, but in my opinion it usually shouldn't be the first choice.

 

[thermodynamics]

I'm on Effexor XR, mainly for the anti-anxiety effects. I trusted the psychiatrist--I had no reason not to. No sexual issues to speak of, but then again I only fly solo, hehe. I can definitely vouch for the effects of missing a dose. Something like a hangover without the headache--just really disorienting and a really confused feeling.

 

[guyblue]

Yngbldhwk:
When my depression occurs it's usually in cycles--not seasonal, but if one thing trips it I can be a wreck for months. The doctor did say she chose the SNRI because of the boost the norepi (and yes, jockboy1, some dopamine) can have to get me out of bed and to do schoolwork, etc. Her tenative goal is to see how it goes and see if things will be better in December and see if I can be weaned off over my Christmas break.

I know I probably shouldn't be asking for advice like this, but can anyone attest to the effect alcohol has when on this medication (or an SNRI/SSRI in general, excluding Wellbutrin, which luckotheirish mentioned)? My 21st bday is coming up in September and although I'm not the type to go get piss-drunk, I might want to drink some...

 

[stormofswords921]

Up here in the north where the sun goes away in winter, I get hit hard by SAD. I generally recommend NOT going off your anti-depressant in winter. But maybe in the southeast it's less of a problem, so you'll be OK.
A lot of SNRI's are metastasized through the liver, so you shouldn't be out getting wasted every night. but my doctor said getting drunk once a week or whatever won't do any harm. he did say to take it slow the first time I drank while on them just to see how they react. in rare instances people have reactions. so don't drink like 5-6 shots in an hour or something. lol.
I was born on Sept 21st, and I happened to be on an SNRI for my golden bday(21 lol). I was in Vegas wasted off my ass for 3 days and still here to tell about it.
and the only sexual side effect I've ever noticed is it takes me slightly longer to cum(not always a bad thing lol) and for the first 6 weeks i was on it I never had morning wood. good luck dude!

 

[luckotheirish]

Yngbldhwk:
When my depression occurs it's usually in cycles--not seasonal, but if one thing trips it I can be a wreck for months. The doctor did say she chose the SNRI because of the boost the norepi (and yes, jockboy1, some dopamine) can have to get me out of bed and to do schoolwork, etc. Her tenative goal is to see how it goes and see if things will be better in December and see if I can be weaned off over my Christmas break.

I know I probably shouldn't be asking for advice like this, but can anyone attest to the effect alcohol has when on this medication (or an SNRI/SSRI in general, excluding Wellbutrin, which luckotheirish mentioned)? My 21st bday is coming up in September and although I'm not the type to go get piss-drunk, I might want to drink some...

Getting "piss drunk" while on any of the drugs mentioned in this thread is not a good idea. Most of the time (not Wellbutrin) the greatest risk is potentiation (increase) of side-effects from both drug and alcohol. In other words, it's like getting drunk easier and faster.

With Effexor and alcohol, you may experience:
- increased heart rate (more than with the drug alone)
- heart palpitations (feeling your heart pound in your chest)
- decreased coordination (you feel clumsier)
- headache (hangover type)
- increased sedation

Having said that, there really aren't any studies that prove a clear interaction with moderate alcohol and Effexor taken as directed. That is not to say there is no risk. That only means that studies that have been conducted, so far, have not uncovered any serious complications.

As far as testimonials, no patients on Effexor have described to me personally that they have had any adverse experiences with Effexor and alcohol, but the manufacturer still recommends avoiding it.

Have a fun and safe 21st!

 

[interesting]

I know that antidepressants could also be used to help with nicotine withdrawal, but besides that its for anxiety and depression..................so I didn't know that many of us were so depressed?? Wow, this is all so freakingly new to me. Hope everything goes well guys.

 

[dexyboi86]

I am on 75mg a day of Zoloft.

When I first started, I had about a week of low libido and erectile dysfunction of sorts...but after that week or so, I was back...and still am.

I might even get to see my fella tonight

 

[S60Turbo]

I'm probably going to get slammed for this but
I don't think they know exactly what these drugs do
They know They adjust the way the brain functions but really are unsure
I've known quite a few people who were on these drugs for long periods of time and either had a very hard time getting off of them or cannot.
They say they're not addictive but then they said that about valium too

 

[toywifme]

guys, what are these drugs for? is it to reduce the libido in a guy? or to just reduce the amount of uncontrolable erections?

 

[wethole44]

Yngbldhwk:
When my depression occurs it's usually in cycles--not seasonal, but if one thing trips it I can be a wreck for months. The doctor did say she chose the SNRI because of the boost the norepi (and yes, jockboy1, some dopamine) can have to get me out of bed and to do schoolwork, etc. Her tenative goal is to see how it goes and see if things will be better in December and see if I can be weaned off over my Christmas break.

I know I probably shouldn't be asking for advice like this, but can anyone attest to the effect alcohol has when on this medication (or an SNRI/SSRI in general, excluding Wellbutrin, which luckotheirish mentioned)? My 21st bday is coming up in September and although I'm not the type to go get piss-drunk, I might want to drink some...

Dude, I'm on something similar and after 3 or 4 drinks I "black out", I mean, friends say I still function ok with conversations etc, I just dont remember a bloody thing!!!!!